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Sage Fly Rods is regarded as one of the best rod companies in fly fishing. They manufacture a number of different types of rods that are suitable for all levels of experience and techniques.
Quick Look: Sage Fly Rods
★ #1 Best Sage Fly Rod Overall: The Sage X ★
Sage is a relatively new company, founded in 1980 by Don Green. Then and now, their mission is to build the world’s finest performing fly rods.
So, if you’re interested in purchasing a Sage fly rod, then check out the article below. I’m going to do a Sage fly rod review and also go over warranties, rods, and features.
Who Is Sage?
As I mentioned earlier, Sage has been around for 40 years. The first major series of fly rods that they came out with was called the Reserve Power.
These rods first put Sage in the eye of the fly fishing world. Their thinking behind these rods was that a fly rod shouldn’t use all of its power when being fished, but should always have some in the reserves.
From that moment on, Sage hasn’t looked back. They continue to make spectacular rods that are still talked about today in only the highest of regards.
Sage Fly Rod Warranties
Every Sage rod you purchase comes with a lifetime warranty. This protects it against defects that are either from the materials or the workmanship.
Keep in mind that Sage reserves the right to determine if the rod needs to be either replaced or repaired. This applies to any rod covered by their warranty.
Where Are Sage Fly Rods Made?
All fly fishing rods by Sage are made on Bainbridge Island, Washington. This means that all the rods they create are handcrafted in the USA.
Not only are all of their rods made in one facility in Bainbridge, but you can tour this shop too. To arrange a tour, simply call the facility and get an appointment scheduled.
Types of Sage Fly Rods
Sage makes a wide variety of fly fishing rods, from the classic 9′ 5wt trout rod to long and light nymphing rods and rods for saltwater.
So, below I’ll go over a few fly rods by Sage. This is so you can get a better understanding of what Sage makes. Check them out and see for yourself!
Spey
Sage has several different two-handed spey rods that you can choose from. These come in a variety of prices, each one according to the level of skill needed to cast them.
They also range from trout spey rods to long two-handed salmon rods. All of these rods either have a fast or ultra-fast action, which are ideal for any type of two-handed casting.
Saltwater
Featuring seven different saltwater rods, Sage has become one of the best-known saltwater rod manufacturers in the fly fishing market.
They have three different rods that are made for specific applications, mainly for targeting permit, tarpon and bonefish. They also have four specialty rods used for fishing in strong winds or targeting big game.
Freshwater
Sage has several different rods that are great for all-around use. These can be used to drift nymphs, fish dry flies, or to strip in streamers.
They also have specialty rods. These are made for only one type of fishing, such as Euro nymphing, throwing dries, or fishing on small streams.
Features of Sage Fly Rods
Below, I’ll go over several different features that Sage fly rods possess. I’ll go into depth in order to broaden your understanding of them.
So, check them out and see which of these features is the most important aspect for you. Each has its own pros and cons, so think about what you need before selecting a rod.
Length
The length of your rod is determined by what type of fishing you plan to do. Typically a 9′ rod will work in most situations, but you may need something a little longer or shorter.
If you’re fishing in tight quarters, then a shorter is ideal. It will allow you to load it quicker and will help keep your backcast out of the bushes and trees.
Line Weight
Sage makes fly rods ranging from delicate 0-weights all the way up to hefty saltwater 14-weights. When choosing a Sage fly rod, consider what type of fishing you’ll be doing and the types of locations you fish at to ensure you choose a rod weight that’s best for you.
Material
At Sage, they stress the importance of detail. This starts with the materials that they choose to use to make some of the best Sage fly rods out there.
They have rods that are made of proprietary graphite fibers, resins, and aerospace-grade aluminum. These materials help make Sage rods such sought-after pieces of equipment.
Their Konnetic HD Technology is a patented blend that improves rod accuracy and keeps loops incredibly tight, with the rods still remaining durable and long-lasting.
Pieces
Most rods come in four pieces. This allows you to easily transport your rod when traveling to your favorite fishing spot. They can easily slide inside their protective case.
If you want to build your own Sage rod blank, then you could get it in fewer pieces if you’d like. However, if you plan on traveling with it, then it’s just easier for you to break it down.
Action
The action of your rod all depends on where you plan on fishing and what type of fishing you plan on doing. Luckily, Sage has all different types of rods with different actions to meet your needs.
They have fast and ultra-fast actions for the angler who enjoys chasing large fish and throwing big flies. They also have medium actions for anyone who wants a rod that can do it all.
Balance
The balance of a rod is a debated topic in the world of fly fishing. Some people swear by it and say that everyone needs to have a perfectly balanced rod, reel, and fly line.
However, there are some that disagree and think it’s not that big of a deal. Now, what we can all agree on is that it’s better to have it balanced than not. So, it may not be perfect, but it should be pretty close to balanced.
Sage Fly Rods
Below, I’ll go over several different Sage fly rods. Each of them was created for a different type of fishing, such as spey, saltwater, or with dry flies.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about the different types of rods and what they can do, then check out all the information below to see which one will work best for you.
Sage Dry Fly Rods
Below are a few different Sage fly fishing rods that are especially excellent for dry fly fishing. They produce a delicate touch when throwing the smallest of dries.
The R8 Core
- Action: Fast
Sage stopped making the X, and the R8 Core took its place at the top of the freshwater range. It is a fast action rod, and it is the one the rest of the lineup gets measured against.
In the 4 and 5 weights it loads quickly and tracks straight, so you can drop a dry fly on a seam at distance without leaving slack in the line. The 9 foot 3 weight is the one to look at for small water and long leaders.
It starts at $979.95, so this is a rod you grow into rather than start on. The range runs past the trout sizes to a 9 weight if you want one rod family for everything.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 3 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
- 9′ 4 weight
- 10′ 4 weight
- 8′ 6″ 5 weight
- 9′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6″ 5 weight
- 10′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 6″ 6 weight
- 10′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight through 9′ 9 weight
The Classic R8
- Action: Medium
Sage no longer makes the Trout LL. The Classic R8 is the rod in the current range built for the same job, which is dry flies on small water where the presentation matters more than the distance.
It is slower than the R8 Core and that is the point. You feel it load deeper into the blank, which makes a short accurate cast easy and a long one hard work.
The 8 foot 3 weight and the 8 foot 6 inch 4 weight are the two worth looking at for tight streams and overgrown banks. It starts at $979.95.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 8′ 3 weight
- 8′ 6″ 3 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
- 8′ 6″ 5 weight
- 9′ 4 weight
- 9′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
Dart
- Action: Fast
The Sage Dart rod is made for use on skinny water. Anytime you don’t need to make a long cast, you should use this rod. It’s phenomenal for small water.
This rod allows you to load up quickly so you don’t need to have a big backcast in order to get the fly where you want it. The short stature of the rod allows you to cast in thick cover too.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 7′ 6″ 0 weight
- 7′ 6″ 1 weight
- 7′ 6″ 2 weight
- 6′ 6″ 3 weight
- 7′ 6″ 3 weight
- 7′ 6″ 4 weight
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Sage Nymphing Rods
Below, I’ll go over some different nymphing rods. Each of these is useful in different circumstances, and some models may be repeated from above.
ESN HD
- Action: Medium
The Sage ESN HD was made especially for nymphing, Euro nymphing in particular. Most of the range is ten feet long, with a 10 foot 6 inch 3 weight at the top, and that length is what lets you mend line at distance.
Also, the extra foot of distance on the rod allows you to drift your fly a little bit farther out than if you were using a 9′ rod, making this more efficient for flicking your fly out into the current.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 10′ 2 weight
- 10′ 3 weight
- 10′ 4 weight
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Dart
- Action: Fast
We’re back to The Dart. Again, this is a great dry fly rod and would do very well on skinny water chasing cutthroat or brookies.
However, you can’t always throw dry flies. Sometimes you need to get a nymph down into the water column and drift a Copper John past a trout’s face. This is when the Dart comes in handy.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 7′ 6″ 0 weight
- 7′ 6″ 1 weight
- 7′ 6″ 2 weight
- 6′ 6″ 3 weight
- 7′ 6″ 3 weight
- 7′ 6″ 4 weight
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The Foundation
- Action: Fast
The larger models of The Foundation are great for throwing big dries and streamers to bigger freshwater and saltwater fish.
However, the smaller models are ideal for drifting flies past eddies and pockets of water where a trout might be waiting. It offers great line control and allows you to flick your nymph out with ease.
Below are the available weights and sizes that are best for nymphing.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 4 weight
- 9′ 5 weight
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Sage Freshwater Streamer Rods
Below, I’ll go over some great streamer rods. If you enjoy chunking big flies to even bigger fish, then check these out.
The Foundation
- Action: Fast
I’m continuing right where I left off. The larger sizes of the Sage Foundation rods are great for throwing streamers to trout and other species.
This rod is able to cast out and turn big, wind-resistant flies. Even when the wind picks up, you’ll still be able to cast your favorite streamer with this rod.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
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Payload
- Action: Fast
The Sage Payload was specially made to throw big streamers. This rod lets anglers cast big flies and big lines with more effectiveness than ever before.
The fast action is ideal for throwing big flies and reeling in big fish. Some of the bigger rods are made for chasing muskie and pike.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 11 weight
- 9′ 3″ 11 weight
- 8′ 9″ 6 weight
- 8′ 9″ 7 weight
- 8′ 9″ 8 weight
- 8′ 9″ 9 weight
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The Arrow
- Action: Fast
Sage sent us an Arrow to test, and after a full season on it, it has earned a permanent spot in the rotation. It is the Sage we point people to when they want one rod that will cover most of their season.
It is built on Sage’s KonneticHD graphite and the range runs from a 7 foot 6 inch 3 weight up to a 9 foot 8 weight. That covers brook trout in a tight mountain stream and bass on a farm pond without changing rod families.
The 6 and 7 weights have the backbone to turn over a weighted streamer and to hold a loop together in wind. The 9 foot 5 weight is the size to start with.
It starts at $645.95, which puts it well under the R8 Core while still being handmade in Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 7′ 6″ 3 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
- 9′ 4 weight
- 9′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6″ 5 weight
- 10′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 6″ 6 weight
- 10′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 9′ 6″ 7 weight
- 10′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
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Sage Spey/ Two-Handed Rods
Below, I’ll go over Sage two-handed rods. These are great for big water fishing or chasing large Atlantic salmon.
Spey R8
- Action: Fast
The X Spey is gone and the Spey R8 replaced it as Sage’s top two handed rod.
The 7 and 8 weights between 12 and 13 feet are the standard steelhead sizes and the place to start. The 15 foot 10 weight is a big water salmon tool rather than something you will reach for on a home river.
It starts at $1,246.95, which makes it the most expensive two hander Sage builds.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 12′ 6″ 5 weight
- 13′ 6 weight
- 11′ 6″ 7 weight
- 12′ 6″ 7 weight
- 13′ 7 weight
- 13′ 6″ 7 weight
- 11′ 6″ 8 weight
- 12′ 6″ 8 weight
- 13′ 8 weight
- 13′ 6″ 8 weight
- 13′ 9 weight
- 14′ 9 weight
- 15′ 10 weight
Trout Spey G5
- Action: Trout spey specific
The Pulse is discontinued. If you want a light two hander for trout water, the Trout Spey G5 is the rod in the current range for it.
It comes in three sizes, all of them 11 feet or just over, and it is built for swinging soft hackles and small streamers rather than for moving a heavy tip across big water.
It starts at $690.95.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 11′ 3 weight
- 11′ 4 weight
- 11′ 6″ 5 weight
Sage Switch Rods
Below, I’ll go over switch fly rods. These are better for nymphing than their spey rod counterparts. If you prefer nymphing, check these out.
Sonic Spey and Switch
- Lengths: 11′ 6″ to 14′
Sage dropped the X Switch. The Sonic Spey and Switch series is what covers switch and two handed work now, and it is the cheapest way into a Sage two hander.
The 12 foot 6 inch 5 and 6 weights are the switch style sizes. Everything from the 7 weight up is a full two handed spey rod.
It starts at $667.95.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 12′ 6″ 5 weight
- 12′ 6″ 6 weight
- 11′ 6″ 7 weight
- 13′ 7 weight
- 13′ 6″ 7 weight
- 11′ 6″ 8 weight
- 13′ 6″ 8 weight
- 14′ 9 weight
Trout Spey HD
- Action: Fast
Even though it’s technically called a spey rod, you could also use the Sage Trout Spey HD as a switch. It’s extremely versatile, so anglers who enjoy using both spey and switch would do well to have this rod in their arsenal.
This rod comes in many different lengths and weights, giving you a wide array of options to choose from. You can either go heavy or go light. The choice is up to you.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 10′ 9″ 1 weight
- 10′ 9″ 2 weight
- 10′ 3″ 3 weight
- 11′ 3 weight
- 11′ 3″ 4 weight
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Sage Saltwater Rods
Below, I’ll go over Sage’s extensive line of saltwater rods. Each of these is great for throwing flies to tarpon, bonefish, reds, permit, or anything you feel like chucking a fly to.
Salt R8
- Action: Fast
Sage replaced the Salt HD with the Salt R8, and the new rod covers the same ground.
The 9 foot 8 weight is the one to buy first. It handles bonefish, redfish, and most of what you will throw a fly at in salt water.
The 12 and 15 weights are tarpon and billfish tools, and they are worth the money only if you are booking that kind of trip. It starts at $1,023.95.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
- 9′ 9 weight
- 9′ 10 weight
- 9′ 11 weight
- 9′ 12 weight
- 8′ 6″ 15 weight
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Maverick
- Action: Fast
The Sage Maverick rod features oversized guides which help reduce the number of tangles you get because of an oversized saltwater fly. This makes for a much more comfortable day out on the water.
On top of this, you’ll get a rod that allows for quick casting. Just load the rod once and shoot the fly forward. It also has increased pulling and lifting power for fighting fish and lifting line off the water.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 10 weight
- 9′ 11 weight
- 9′ 12 weight
- 8′ 6″ 14 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
- 9′ 9 weight
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Sage Specialty Saltwater Rods
Below are the rods that are made for very specific conditions. These are made for anglers who fish in unique waters or want something that works just for them.
Payload
- Action: Fast
If you want to catch big fish with a big fly, then the Sage Payload is the rod for you. It has incredible strength that will cast your giant saltwater fly far and give you the power to pull in a trophy tarpon.
Despite being able to cast such large flies and having so much strength, the rod is actually very easy to cast.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 10 weight
- 9′ 3″ 11 weight
- 8′ 9″ 6 weight
- 8′ 9″ 6 weight
- 8′ 9″ 7 weight
- 8′ 9″ 8 weight
- 8′ 9″ 9 weight
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Igniter
- Action: Ultra fast
The Sage Igniter rod was made to be used in conditions where the wind would keep most people off the water. But if you’re a die-hard, then nothing will keep you from catching fish.
It’s made to have strong loop control for it to push back against mother nature while giving extreme accuracy.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 10 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 6″ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
- 9′ 9 weight
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The Foundation
- Action: Fast
The Sage Foundation was made for executing quick casts, allowing you to fish quicker and also prevent you from spooking fish.
This is great if you’re looking for a rod that has an extremely quick load. On top of that, the price tag is hard to beat.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
- 9′ 9 weight
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Sage Fly Rod Combos
Sage has cut its outfits back to one. The Foundation Outfit is the only combo still on the shelves, and it is a good one to start on.
Foundation Outfit
- Action: Fast
The Sage Foundation Outfit is perfect for someone who’s looking to get into fly fishing but doesn’t want to buy each individual piece.
The rod, reel, and line are all balanced together. All you need are a few flies and you’re ready to hit the water.
The outfit pairs the Foundation rod with a Sage reel, RIO fly line, a tapered leader, backing, and a rod tube. It runs $690.95, which is less than the rod and reel would cost bought separately.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 4 weight
- 9′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
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Conclusion
There you have it, folks: a rundown on Sage products as well as some different features, which you can mull over before purchasing your first Sage rod.
Sage is easily one of the top rod manufacturers on the market today. With their lifetime warranty and incredible accuracy and build quality, these rods are hard to beat.
Purchasing your first Sage fly rod is like purchasing a Ferrari. You can feel the quality in your hand. And with Sage, you can see the accuracy improve in your casts. No rod will make you a better angler, but Sage comes pretty close.
Some images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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